the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n lest_o you_o corrupt_v yourselves_o and_o make_v you_o a_o grave_a image_n the_o similitude_n of_o any_o figure_n what_o a_o pitiful_a evasion_n be_v it_o that_o a_o grave_a image_n be_v only_o forbid_a when_o also_o be_v express_o forbid_v the_o similitude_n of_o any_o figure_n and_o the_o reason_n add_v be_v general_a for_o you_o see_v no_o manner_n of_o similitude_n the_o fire_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o which_o god_n speak_v be_v there_o express_v to_o be_v no_o similitude_n or_o figure_n of_o god_n or_o the_o sun_n for_o which_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a pretence_n yea_o it_o be_v make_v one_o of_o the_o ten_o word_n of_o the_o decalogue_n after_o all_o this_o shall_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v change_v this_o precept_n which_o be_v not_o ceremonial_a but_o opposite_a to_o ceremony_n be_v it_o not_o a_o horrid_a and_o impious_a boldness_n to_o leave_v that_o command_n out_o of_o the_o decalogue_n rather_o than_o to_o forbear_v the_o worship_v of_o or_o by_o image_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v avow_v and_o practice_v i_o adore_v thou_o the_o only_a pure_a spirit_n that_o thou_o have_v not_o leave_v i_o to_o my_o imagination_n to_o apprehend_v thou_o as_o be_v any_o way_n like_o a_o body_n or_o matter_n by_o extension_n or_o diffusion_n of_o substance_n or_o be_v exclude_v where_o any_o other_o substance_n be_v or_o can_v be_v whether_o a_o body_n or_o create_v spirit_n it_o be_v so_o incident_a to_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n to_o have_v all_o his_o first_o thought_n by_o imagination_n of_o body_n and_o their_o resemblance_n except_o the_o son_n of_o god_n alone_o for_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o all_o fullness_n shall_v dwell_v i_o lament_v and_o pity_v their_o weakness_n that_o frame_v a_o conception_n of_o the_o infinite_o glorious_a god_n as_o a_o body_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o a_o body_n though_o it_o be_v the_o most_o pure_a air_n or_o aether_n that_o reason_n convince_v to_o be_v every_o where_o in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o mean_a of_o communication_n throughout_o the_o world_n without_o which_o no_o creature_n at_o distance_n can_v communicate_v its_o thought_n or_o act_n to_o another_o which_o scarce_o can_v the_o imagination_n apprehend_v but_o only_o the_o pure_a reason_n and_o which_o be_v conceive_v so_o pure_a that_o it_o be_v invisible_a impalpable_a unperceivable_a by_o any_o sense_n in_o resomblance_n to_o which_o man_n conceive_v angel_n or_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o substance_n like_o some_o part_n of_o the_o pure_a air_n that_o can_v pass_v without_o stop_n through_o all_o body_n though_o of_o never_o so_o close_a contexture_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o apprehend_v god_n by_o the_o like_a resemblance_n because_o god_n be_v invisible_a and_o can_v fall_v under_o no_o sense_n yet_o be_v far_o more_o clear_o conceivable_a pure_o by_o the_o mind_n i_o pray_v god_n it_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o those_o who_o through_o weakness_n have_v so_o low_a and_o unsuitable_a thought_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_v god_n meditation_n iii_o upon_o the_o self-existence_n and_o eternity_n of_o god_n by_o self-existence_n i_o understand_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o be_v which_o have_v no_o cause_n of_o the_o existence_n thereof_o and_o which_o have_v its_o existence_n in_o itself_o for_o if_o it_o have_v a_o efficient_a cause_n it_o behove_v to_o derive_v its_o be_v from_o that_o cause_n as_o the_o author_n thereof_o a_o self-existent_a be_v can_v have_v no_o constituent_a or_o component_a part_n whether_o they_o be_v essential_a part_n or_o integral_a part_n or_o of_o whatsoever_o composition_n can_v be_v suppose_v for_o than_o it_o behove_v to_o owe_v its_o original_a to_o these_o component_a part_n for_o such_o part_n though_o they_o be_v not_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o that_o compound_v yet_o they_o be_v the_o material_a formal_a or_o essential_a cause_n thereof_o a_o self-existent_a be_v can_v have_v no_o final_a cause_n or_o any_o end_n ulteriour_a to_o itself_o but_o the_o design_n thereof_o must_v necessary_o be_v itself_o as_o the_o ultimate_a and_o last_o end_n and_o can_v be_v a_o mean_a or_o mid_n towards_o any_o other_o end_n but_o all_o thing_n design_v and_o act_v thereby_o must_v necessary_o be_v design_v for_o and_o terminate_v upon_o itself_o as_o the_o last_o end_n a_o self-existent_a be_v have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sect_n who_o have_v pretend_v to_o any_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n those_o who_o mind_n can_v not_o be_v so_o far_o elevate_v as_o to_o apprehend_v a_o possibility_n of_o creation_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v so_o powerful_a as_o to_o give_v existence_n to_o a_o substance_n which_o have_v no_o existence_n before_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o atheist_n do_v acknowledge_v a_o deity_n know_v and_o capable_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n possible_a which_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v a_o self-existent_a active_a cause_n as_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o a_o self-existent_a passive_a or_o material_a cause_n of_o and_o upon_o which_o the_o first_o cause_n make_v all_o production_n and_o alteration_n whether_o that_o cause_n be_v one_o similar_v substance_n which_o most_o of_o they_o do_v with_o the_o great_a probability_n suppose_v to_o be_v water_n or_o air_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o heterogeneous_a mass_n or_o chaos_n whereby_o the_o active_a cause_n can_v only_o segregate_v the_o immutable_a particle_n of_o that_o chaos_n and_o unite_v they_o in_o compound_n of_o divers_a shape_v but_o none_o of_o they_o can_v ever_o distinct_o propose_v whence_o life_n and_o perception_n arise_v and_o therefore_o be_v necessitate_v to_o suppose_v that_o there_o have_v precede_v eternal_a train_n of_o all_o animal_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o self-existent_a percipient_a cause_n but_o these_o first_o active_a cause_n only_o yea_o all_o the_o atheistical_a philosopher_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n yet_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o self-existent_a be_v both_o active_a and_o passive_a and_o yet_o attribute_v no_o knowledge_n to_o the_o active_a cause_n and_o so_o work_v without_o choice_n by_o fatal_a necessity_n but_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v no_o percipient_a be_v to_o be_v self-existent_a but_o either_o by_o eternal_a generation_n or_o by_o production_n from_o the_o earth_n not_o only_o plant_n but_o animal_n these_o thing_n first_o arise_v which_o be_v less_o perfect_a and_o need_v less_o elaboration_n so_o that_o mankind_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o last_o birth_n of_o the_o earth_n i_o rejoice_v that_o all_o these_o fantastic_a supposition_n be_v evanished_a and_o that_o not_o only_a revelation_n but_o reason_n also_o have_v concur_v that_o creation_n be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o true_a and_o i_o do_v admire_v and_o resent_v that_o even_o some_o christian_a philosopher_n and_o many_o of_o they_o by_o profession_n divine_n maintain_v the_o impossiblity_n of_o vacuity_n without_o any_o body_n or_o any_o real_a extension_n because_o such_o a_o vacuity_n be_v inconceivable_a without_o conceive_v longitude_n latitude_n and_o profundity_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a intrinsic_a property_n of_o a_o body_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v from_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o god_n can_v not_o annihilate_v the_o whole_a or_o any_o part_n of_o matter_n leave_v nothing_o where_o it_o be_v nor_o can_v give_v existence_n to_o any_o body_n where_o nothing_o be_v before_o and_o therefore_o the_o universe_n must_v necessary_o be_v so_o far_o extend_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o further_a extension_n thereof_o by_o these_o opinion_n there_o be_v suppose_v a_o eternal_a passive_a cause_n from_o eternity_n to_o eternity_n and_o there_o can_v be_v imagine_v a_o evasion_n that_o this_o passive_a cause_n must_v be_v self-existent_a or_o that_o god_n from_o eternity_n do_v give_v it_o existence_n and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v true_o say_v that_o he_o give_v it_o existence_n if_o it_o proceed_v from_o he_o by_o emanation_n without_o choice_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o ground_n to_o suppose_v that_o by_o choice_n he_o give_v it_o existence_n from_o eternity_n much_o less_o that_o he_o give_v it_o a_o independent_a existence_n that_o he_o can_v not_o annihilate_v it_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o it_o exceed_v my_o capacity_n to_o imagine_v how_o these_o thing_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o with_o his_o relation_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n i_o have_v elsewhere_o clear_v my_o own_o judgement_n that_o there_o be_v no_o solidity_n in_o that_o consequence_n that_o vacuity_n can_v not_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v without_o longitude_n latitude_n and_o profundity_n and_o that_o all_o the_o demonstration_n thereupon_o be_v as_o true_a as_o upon_o any_o body_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v here_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o attribution_n of_o property_n and_o consequence_n do_v not_o import_v the_o real_a existence_n of_o the_o
call_v intrinsical_o evil_a god_n may_v excite_v these_o act_n where_o the_o intention_n or_o direction_n only_o be_v evil_a god_n intention_n be_v quite_o different_a so_o he_o may_v excite_v the_o give_n of_o alm_n intend_v thereby_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a but_o the_o direct_n of_o the_o alm_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n be_v a_o distinct_a separate_z act._n there_o be_v no_o ground_n infer_v that_o god_n excite_v to_o that_o end_n much_o less_o that_o he_o excite_v to_o act_n intrinsical_o evil_a which_o no_o intention_n can_v make_v good_a and_o where_o there_o be_v not_o different_a part_n or_o different_a act_n therefore_o god_n do_v not_o foreknow_v act_n intrinsical_o evil_a or_o the_o evil_a intention_n of_o act_n that_o otherwise_o may_v be_v good_a or_o indifferent_a in_o his_o decree_n to_o excite_v they_o but_o only_o in_o his_o permissive_a decree_n not_o to_o hinder_v the_o free_a creature_n in_o act_v they_o wherein_o i_o be_o convince_v by_o many_o pregnant_a reason_n first_o god_n foresee_v such_o act_n in_o his_o purpose_n to_o excite_v the_o creature_n to_o they_o and_o his_o be_v a_o immediate_a and_o total_a actor_n of_o they_o appear_v to_o i_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o immaculate_a purity_n but_o thereby_o he_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n i_o know_v many_o good_a man_n perceive_v not_o this_o consequence_n and_o be_v far_o from_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o be_v force_v to_o harsh_a concession_n to_o shun_v it_o as_o that_o god_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o act_n but_o not_o of_o the_o vitiosity_n of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v only_o privative_a and_o require_v no_o cause_n nor_o any_o efficiency_n but_o deficiency_n which_o import_v nothing_o as_o to_o evil_a intention_n or_o act_n intrinsical_o evil_a but_o only_o as_o to_o act_n that_o will_v be_v good_a if_o right_o direct_v and_o be_v well_o illustrate_v by_o ride_v of_o a_o lame_a horse_n where_o the_o rider_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o ride_v but_o the_o lameness_n of_o the_o horse_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o halt_a but_o this_o can_v be_v applicable_a to_o a_o indivisible_a act_n whence_o sin_n necessary_o result_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a act_n or_o the_o act_n of_o intention_n be_v total_o evil_a and_o thereby_o there_o can_v be_v one_o part_n attribute_v to_o god_n and_o another_o to_o the_o creature_n if_o god_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a and_o total_a actor_n but_o that_o the_o creature_n have_v a_o different_a act_n the_o forefight_n of_o that_o act_n can_v not_o be_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n to_o act_v it_o and_o so_o all_o free_a act_n can_v not_o be_v foresee_v that_o way_n the_o more_o ingenuous_a be_v force_v to_o recur_v to_o this_o evasion_n that_o god_n be_v under_o no_o law_n and_o so_o the_o same_o act_n may_v be_v sin_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o no_o sin_n in_o god_n but_o this_o overturn_v the_o be_v of_o act_n moral_o good_a or_o evil_a in_o congruity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o so_o because_o god_n will_v they_o to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v but_o he_o so_o will_v they_o because_o they_o be_v absolute_o and_o immutable_o good_a and_o not_o alone_o by_o the_o will_n or_o decree_n of_o god_n god_n be_v above_o his_o positive_a law_n but_o he_o be_v neither_o above_n nor_o under_o his_o moral_a law_n but_o be_v a_o law_n to_o himself_o else_o god_n can_v make_v virtue_n vice_n and_o vice_n virtue_n for_o whatever_o depend_v upon_o act_n of_o the_o will_n can_v be_v alter_v by_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o will_n so_o god_n have_v alter_v many_o of_o his_o positive_a law_n and_o precept_n because_o they_o be_v only_o good_a in_o that_o they_o be_v will_v and_o command_v second_o god_n have_v express_o declare_v that_o he_o have_v hinder_v many_o act_n of_o his_o creature_n which_o must_v necessary_o import_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v act_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v hinder_v for_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a to_o say_v that_o god_n decree_v to_o be_v a_o actor_n with_o the_o creature_n and_o yet_o decree_v to_o hinder_v that_o same_o act_n thus_o god_n declare_v that_o he_o have_v hinder_v abimelech_n to_o touch_v sarah_n who_o he_o have_v take_v on_o design_n to_o make_v she_o his_o concubine_n but_o god_n disable_v he_o that_o he_o can_v neither_o meddle_v with_o she_o nor_o any_o other_o three_o there_o be_v many_o sin_n of_o omission_n wherein_o the_o sinner_n do_v not_o resolve_v to_o omit_v but_o by_o carelessness_n and_o inconsideration_n omit_v here_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o if_o god_n hinder_v the_o creature_n to_o consider_v he_o must_v be_v sole_a actor_n in_o these_o sin_n and_o if_o not_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a act_n or_o excitation_n in_o they_o and_o so_o no_o decree_n for_o such_o act_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v foresee_v in_o that_o decree_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v certain_o foresee_v four_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o clear_v the_o divine_a purity_n that_o sin_n be_v only_o a_o privation_n require_v no_o efficiency_n but_o deficiency_n that_o can_v not_o but_o also_o vindicate_v the_o creature_n albeit_o a_o total_a actor_n of_o the_o same_o act._n five_o if_o god_n decree_n without_o foresight_n of_o what_o the_o creature_n use_v its_o proper_a power_n will_v act_v than_o he_o behove_v to_o decree_v the_o torment_n of_o his_o creature_n without_o consideration_n of_o their_o future_a sin_n voluntary_o to_o be_v act_v by_o they_o which_o be_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o justice_n and_o force_v the_o author_n of_o this_o opinion_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n may_v eternal_o torment_v his_o innocent_a creature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v great_a goodness_n to_o give_v they_o a_o miserable_a be_v than_o no_o be_v at_o all_o which_o be_v neither_o consistent_a with_o his_o justice_n nor_o his_o goodness_n and_o give_v a_o most_o unlovely_a representation_n of_o he_o six_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o inculcate_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a avail_n much_o but_o if_o god_n do_v determine_v all_o future_a thing_n without_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n prayer_n be_v of_o no_o value_n but_o a_o mere_a formality_n without_o any_o efficacy_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v any_o pray_v to_o a_o unchangeable_a god_n who_o have_v already_o determine_v all_o thing_n without_o consideration_n of_o prayer_n i_o know_v no_o evasion_n can_v be_v make_v but_o that_o god_n have_v determine_v not_o only_o the_o matter_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o so_o determine_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v after_o antecedent_n prayer_n but_o then_o prayer_n be_v a_o mere_a antecedent_n formality_n and_o no_o efficacious_a mean_a avail_v much_o but_o if_o god_n do_v determine_v many_o thing_n upon_o the_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n they_o may_v with_o as_o much_o confidence_n pray_v as_o if_o he_o be_v undetermined_a when_o they_o pray_v i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o specious_a reason_n accustom_v to_o be_v bring_v for_o god_n be_v the_o immediate_a total_a actor_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o his_o creature_n which_o i_o consider_v as_o objection_n one_a it_o be_v object_v if_o god_n decree_v any_o thing_n upon_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o creature_n he_o be_v not_o altogether_o independent_a but_o behove_v to_o depend_v upon_o such_o consideration_n and_o be_v pedissequous_a to_o his_o creature_n this_o reason_n can_v conclude_v nothing_o against_o god_n foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o what_o he_o foresee_v in_o the_o creature_n as_o give_v by_o himself_o above_o their_o natural_a strength_n for_o thereby_o he_o depend_v on_o nothing_o but_o on_o his_o own_o supernatural_a grace_n it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o god_n election_n be_v upon_o the_o foresight_n of_o the_o creature_n faith_n or_o good_a work_n by_o that_o common_a power_n all_o man_n have_v by_o their_o birth_n they_o may_v glory_v in_o themselves_o and_o the_o election_n can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o free_a grace_n and_o god_n may_v be_v think_v pedissequous_a to_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o that_o opinion_n of_o papist_n and_o arminian_n be_v just_o reject_v but_o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v pedissequous_a to_o the_o creature_n he_o foresee_v will_v malicious_o or_o obstinate_o and_o final_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n because_o he_o decree_v to_o let_v they_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n and_o in_o justice_n to_o punish_v they_o who_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o cross_v and_o though_o god_n do_v not_o decree_n to_o damn_v the_o reprobate_n
whereas_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o clear_a by_o the_o context_n that_o by_o the_o vessel_n of_o dishonour_n be_v mean_v the_o harden_a obstinate_a sinner_n and_o by_o the_o vessel_n of_o honour_n the_o elect_n who_o heart_n god_n soften_v which_o appear_v clear_o first_o from_o the_o word_n precede_v why_o do_v he_o yet_o find_v fault_n for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v resist_v his_o will_n if_o he_o please_v to_o soften_v he_o and_o therefore_o why_o do_v god_n complain_v that_o so_o many_o be_v harden_v the_o meaning_n can_v be_v why_o do_v god_n find_v fault_n that_o so_o many_o be_v reprobate_v for_o god_n can_v complain_v of_o his_o own_o act_n of_o reprobation_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o justice_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n only_o it_o be_v still_o his_o own_o act_n but_o he_o complain_v of_o their_o harden_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v by_o his_o act_n but_o by_o his_o permission_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_a by_o the_o word_n follow_v god_n willing_a to_o show_v his_o wrath_n and_o to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v to_o destruction_n and_o that_o he_o may_v make_v know_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n on_o the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v before_o prepare_v unto_o glory_n where_o i_o do_v remark_n that_o god_n ascribe_v unto_o himself_o the_o prepare_v the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n unto_o glory_n but_o that_o he_o do_v not_o prepare_v the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n for_o destruction_n but_o with_o much_o long-suffering_a patience_n endure_v they_o which_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o he_o do_v only_o permit_v they_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o be_v no_o way_n active_a in_o it_o so_o than_o the_o vessel_n of_o honour_n be_v far_o better_a say_v to_o be_v the_o regenerate_a and_o soften_v and_o the_o vessel_n of_o dishonour_n to_o be_v those_o who_o have_v harden_v their_o own_o heart_n so_o it_o be_v as_o free_v for_o god_n to_o have_v mercy_n and_o soften_v who_o he_o will_v and_o to_o endure_v and_o permit_v other_o to_o harden_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o potter_n of_o one_o lump_n to_o make_v one_o vessel_n to_o honour_n and_o another_o to_o dishonour_v the_o 6_o reason_n bring_v for_o universal_a predetermination_n be_v that_o see_v freedom_n be_v by_o both_o party_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o power_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n requisite_a for_o do_v be_v in_o readiness_n therefore_o if_o god_n do_v not_o determine_v that_o freedom_n in_o all_o case_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v how_o the_o creature_n will_v determine_v itself_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v that_o we_o must_v deny_v god_n universal_a knowledge_n unless_o we_o can_v show_v how_o he_o know_v wherein_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o consequence_n for_o many_o thing_n certain_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o be_v shall_v we_o therefore_o because_o god_n have_v say_v who_o can_v search_v the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n that_o be_v none_o can_v so_o search_v he_o conclude_v that_o he_o can_v so_o search_v himself_o yet_o though_o i_o be_v far_o from_o the_o presumption_n to_o give_v a_o full_a account_n how_o god_n do_v foreknow_v the_o act_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v myself_o therein_o so_o far_o as_o my_o reach_n go_v by_o apply_v what_o general_a thought_n i_o have_v former_o show_v more_o particular_o first_o then_o i_o do_v perceive_v that_o of_o the_o act_n of_o creature_n some_o only_o may_v be_v other_o must_v be_v and_o a_o three_o sort_n shall_v be_v which_o be_v more_o than_o may_v be_v and_o less_o than_o must_v be_v these_o three_o kind_n be_v evident_o distinct_a and_o different_a and_o see_v god_n be_v omniscient_a he_o must_v not_o only_o know_v what_o may_v be_v and_o what_o must_v be_v but_o what_o shall_v be_v though_o not_o necessary_o and_o all_o the_o three_o with_o equal_a clearness_n and_o certainty_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o necessity_n and_o certainty_n it_o be_v true_a wherever_o there_o be_v certainty_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o consequence_n that_o be_v that_o that_o knowledge_n be_v infallible_a but_o not_o a_o necessity_n of_o causality_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o thing_n certain_o know_v must_v act_v necessary_o and_o not_o free_o god_n know_v all_o his_o own_o future_a free_a act_n certain_o and_o yet_o he_o know_v many_o of_o they_o to_o be_v by_o the_o freedom_n of_o indifference_n and_o not_o to_o flow_v from_o necessity_n that_o he_o must_v have_v so_o act_v the_o act_n of_o creature_n that_o only_o may_v be_v be_v know_v to_o god_n by_o the_o faculty_n and_o capacity_n he_o have_v give_v to_o his_o several_a creature_n many_o act_n whereof_o may_v be_v and_o yet_o never_o come_v to_o exist_v as_o to_o this_o point_n of_o god_n knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n second_o the_o act_n of_o creature_n which_o must_v be_v be_v first_o the_o act_n of_o inscient_a matter_n which_o can_v alter_v its_o own_o act_n because_o it_o can_v perceive_v or_o know_v when_o and_o where_o to_o alter_v and_o therefore_o all_o these_o alteration_n be_v from_o extrinsic_a force_n either_o from_o other_o inscient_a matter_n or_o from_o the_o force_n of_o free_a actor_n so_o all_o the_o act_n and_o alteration_n of_o inanimate_a body_n in_o the_o universe_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o we_o contingent_a and_o accidental_a yet_o be_v all_o necessary_a and_o so_o may_v be_v know_v by_o god_n not_o only_o as_o certain_a but_o as_o necessary_a except_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v alter_v by_o free_a actor_n which_o come_v to_o be_v consider_v among_o free_a acts._n three_o the_o act_n of_o brute_n though_o they_o determine_v themselves_o by_o the_o perception_n of_o object_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o not_o free_o nor_o can_v they_o act_v various_o all_o the_o circumstance_n be_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o their_o act_n be_v also_o necessary_a suppose_v the_o object_n which_o they_o perceive_v so_o that_o see_v god_n know_v the_o object_n perceive_v he_o must_v know_v what_o act_n will_v thereupon_o follow_v four_o there_o be_v act_n of_o free_a creature_n which_o be_v not_o free_a but_o do_v proceed_v as_o the_o instinct_n of_o brute_n that_o upon_o perception_n of_o their_o proper_a object_n they_o will_v certain_o follow_v such_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o wellbeing_a or_o happiness_n which_o rational_a creature_n think_v upon_o it_o can_v neither_o counteract_v nor_o suspend_v these_o may_v be_v know_v in_o their_o cause_n no_o less_o than_o the_o act_n of_o brute_n and_o as_o god_n have_v free_o give_v these_o useful_a propension_n he_o can_v give_v the_o like_a either_o as_o to_o a_o singular_a act_n or_o as_o to_o a_o whole_a kind_n of_o acts._n five_o the_o only_a difficulty_n remain_v as_o to_o god_n knowledge_n or_o foreknowledge_n of_o the_o free_a act_n of_o the_o free_a creature_n as_o to_o which_o i_o perceive_v that_o i_o and_o it_o be_v like_o many_o other_o have_v be_v much_o mistake_v in_o apprehend_v the_o way_n of_o the_o act_n of_o free_a creature_n suppose_v that_o their_o appetite_n and_o aversion_n be_v altogether_o free_a as_o to_o most_o object_n and_o be_v direct_o in_o their_o own_o power_n and_o that_o pleasure_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o appetite_n and_o grief_n of_o aversion_n which_o be_v in_o our_o power_n as_o other_o appetite_n but_o upon_o more_o accurate_a consideration_n i_o find_v that_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n or_o grief_n be_v neither_o act_n of_o our_o understanding_n nor_o of_o our_o will_n or_o appetite_n but_o of_o a_o different_a faculty_n give_v we_o by_o god_n not_o by_o necessary_a connection_n with_o or_o consequence_n from_o human_a nature_n but_o free_o at_o his_o option_n there_o may_v be_v a_o general_a pain_n or_o grief_n from_o the_o tear_n of_o the_o tender_a part_n of_o the_o organ_n of_o sense_n and_o a_o common_a pleasure_n from_o the_o easy_a access_n of_o object_n to_o these_o sense_n but_o though_o all_o animal_n have_v five_o sense_n these_o can_v not_o make_v the_o diversity_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n they_o find_v arise_v from_o the_o perception_n of_o object_n one_o kind_a of_o animal_n have_v pleasure_n from_o the_o perception_n of_o one_o object_n and_o another_o kind_n of_o animal_n have_v grief_n from_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o same_o though_o both_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n and_o complexion_n that_o such_o object_n give_v such_o variety_n of_o taste_n and_o smell_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o different_a animal_n that_o man_n have_v
they_o come_v to_o pass_v evident_o prove_v his_o foreknowledge_n of_o man_n most_o indifferent_a choice_n as_o daniel_n prophecy_n of_o the_o monarchy_n the_o prophecy_n of_o cyrus_n and_o of_o josiah_n by_o name_n and_o of_o their_o circumstantiate_a act_n what_o can_v be_v more_o arbitrary_a than_o what_o name_v a_o father_n will_v give_v his_o child_n which_o himself_o seldom_o know_v many_o day_n before_o he_o give_v it_o cyrus_n father_n be_v a_o heathen_a who_o neither_o know_v nor_o believe_v this_o prophecy_n nor_o do_v many_o king_n call_v their_o son_n cyrus_n that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o these_o prediction_n there_o be_v little_a controversy_n concern_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n though_o some_o eminent_a among_o the_o arminian_n doubt_v that_o god_n know_v the_o individual_a person_n that_o will_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v and_o some_o have_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o hold_v that_o god_n either_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o know_v the_o number_n of_o all_o the_o individual_n or_o the_o different_a accident_n but_o only_o their_o kind_n and_o common_a accident_n if_o man_n have_v rest_v in_o the_o universality_n of_o god_n knowledge_n and_o have_v not_o be_v too_o inquisitive_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o though_o god_n have_v show_v they_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a full_o to_o reach_v it_o by_o that_o strong_a negation_n imply_v in_o that_o question_n who_o can_v search_v the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n his_o wisdom_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o thereby_o have_v not_o raise_v intricacy_n interfere_v the_o divine_a perfection_n make_v less_o evident_a the_o purity_n and_o amiableness_n of_o god_n it_o have_v not_o only_o be_v a_o folly_n but_o a_o fault_n to_o concur_v with_o the_o atheist_n or_o the_o ungodly_a in_o that_o question_n how_o do_v god_n know_v and_o be_v there_o knowledge_n in_o the_o most_o high_a but_o see_v so_o much_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o god_n foreknowledge_n of_o the_o choice_n and_o act_n of_o free_a creature_n among_o good_a learned_a and_o for_o the_o main_a orthodox_n divine_v not_o only_o in_o different_a but_o in_o the_o same_o communion_n i_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o improve_v what_o capacity_n god_n have_v give_v i_o with_o all_o the_o reverence_n and_o humility_n i_o can_v attain_v to_o extricate_v my_o thought_n and_o to_o clear_v up_o the_o immaculate_a purity_n and_o infinite_a loveliness_n of_o god_n which_o may_v most_o powerful_o excite_v i_o to_o delight_v in_o he_o to_o which_o end_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o consider_v the_o prevalent_a opinion_n of_o philosopher_n and_o divine_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o god_n knowledge_n that_o old_a explode_a and_o now_o revive_a opinion_n of_o some_o philosopher_n be_v that_o second_o cause_n have_v no_o activity_n but_o god_n at_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o token_n of_o what_o will_v follow_v so_o that_o fire_n do_v not_o heat_n or_o burn_v or_o water_n cool_a or_o quench_v but_o the_o first_o cause_n alone_o at_o the_o presence_n of_o fire_n and_o of_o water_n that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o intrinsic_a principle_n of_o motion_n or_o activity_n in_o matter_n that_o it_o can_v attempt_v or_o thrust_v when_o it_o do_v not_o prevail_v that_o man_n do_v not_o move_v any_o of_o their_o member_n but_o only_o god_n move_v they_o as_o man_n will_v and_o that_o god_n make_v such_o thought_n in_o the_o mind_n to_o result_v from_o such_o motion_n of_o matter_n without_o any_o extrinsic_a impression_n or_o activity_n of_o the_o object_n so_o that_o neither_o the_o motion_n of_o matter_n nor_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v from_o the_o activity_n of_o creature_n but_o from_o god_n alone_o on_o this_o ground_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o infer_v that_o god_n must_v know_v all_o the_o act_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v from_o creature_n be_v indeed_o only_o from_o himself_o these_o ground_n can_v take_v with_o any_o that_o true_o acknowledge_v creation_n for_o it_o god_n can_v give_v existence_n to_o matter_n which_o before_o have_v none_o how_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v that_o he_o can_v give_v it_o a_o attempt_n or_o pressure_n to_o move_v such_o a_o uniform_a course_n of_o motion_n which_o it_o will_v ever_o follow_v if_o it_o be_v not_o hinder_v and_o will_v always_o be_v effectual_a when_o the_o impediment_n be_v remove_v much_o more_o that_o as_o he_o create_v a_o spirit_n of_o nothing_o he_o may_v give_v it_o its_o proper_a activity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o matter_n and_o that_o upon_o real_a impression_n and_o change_n make_v in_o it_o from_o other_o creature_n suppose_v then_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n by_o himself_o alone_o or_o many_o thing_n by_o second_a cause_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v that_o it_o be_v more_o consonant_n to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n that_o he_o have_v give_v such_o activity_n the_o scripture_n say_v that_o on_o the_o seven_o day_n god_n rest_v from_o his_o labour_n shall_v we_o then_o think_v that_o he_o act_v now_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o he_o do_v the_o first_o six_o day_n if_o these_o ground_n hold_v there_o can_v be_v no_o distinction_n between_o god_n permission_n and_o his_o operation_n excitation_n or_o concurrence_n with_o the_o creature_n 5._o the_o more_o common_a opinion_n how_o god_n know_v all_o future_a action_n be_v that_o though_o god_n have_v give_v activity_n to_o creature_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o true_a operation_n yet_o they_o can_v exert_v these_o activity_n without_o a_o distinct_a excitation_n and_o such_o a_o concurrence_n of_o god_n as_o every_o act_n be_v as_o well_o immediate_o his_o act_n as_o the_o creature_n be_v yea_o every_o act_n must_v be_v total_o his_o act_n and_o total_o the_o creature_n be_v for_o if_o there_o be_v one_o act_n of_o the_o creator_n and_o a_o several_a act_n of_o the_o creature_n by_o which_o they_o concur_v than_o that_o several_a act_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v immediate_o its_o own_o alone_a though_o god_n be_v also_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o preserve_v the_o creature_n and_o its_o activity_n in_o vigour_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v less_o conceivable_a how_o one_o act_n can_v be_v from_o two_o actor_n immediate_o and_o total_o than_o how_o god_n can_v know_v all_o future_a act_n of_o free_a creature_n these_o man_n think_v they_o magnify_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o this_o way_n and_o therefore_o extend_v it_o not_o only_o to_o free_a action_n but_o even_o to_o the_o action_n of_o brute_n and_o inanimate_a creature_n that_o fire_n can_v burn_v nor_o any_o thing_n move_v without_o a_o excitation_n beside_o its_o natural_a power_n give_v by_o creation_n which_o improper_o enough_o they_o call_v a_o premotion_n as_o if_o creature_n be_v move_v before_o they_o move_v and_o a_o predetermination_n of_o free_a creature_n as_o if_o they_o be_v determine_v before_o they_o be_v determine_v which_o indeed_o may_v be_v proper_o say_v of_o god_n decree_n to_o determine_v they_o in_o time_n and_o of_o his_o preparation_n when_o he_o add_v or_o alter_v their_o pre-existing_a power_n unless_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n or_o dignity_n not_o of_o time_n be_v understand_v which_o be_v most_o improper_a hence_o these_o man_n do_v hold_v that_o god_n know_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o inspection_n of_o his_o own_o decree_n to_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o his_o creature_n to_o act_v they_o and_o that_o he_o can_v foreknow_v nothing_o that_o creature_n will_v act_v of_o themselves_o without_o such_o excitation_n or_o which_o they_o will_v choose_v or_o incline_v to_o act_v and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o action_n good_a and_o indifferent_a but_o in_o those_o evil_a act_n where_o the_o whole_a be_v evil_a and_o no_o separable_a part_n can_v be_v good_a or_o indifferent_a i_o acknowledge_v that_o creature_n can_v do_v nothing_o unless_o god_n preserve_v they_o and_o the_o activity_n he_o have_v give_v they_o by_o nature_n or_o grace_n in_o vigour_n remove_v by_o his_o providence_n those_o thing_n that_o will_v hinder_v they_o to_o work_v and_o that_o he_o ofttimes_o increase_v or_o diminish_v the_o activity_n he_o have_v give_v they_o he_o make_v the_o diurnal_a motion_n to_o cease_v when_o joshua_n prosecute_v his_o victory_n he_o make_v it_o retrograde_a ten_o degree_n in_o the_o dial_n of_o achaz_n which_o be_v not_o by_o hindrance_n of_o a_o natural_a cause_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o angel_n and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o infer_v that_o the_o angel_n either_o do_v move_v or_o stop_v the_o diurnal_a motion_n but_o as_o god_n free_o give_v that_o power_n of_o motion_n in_o the_o former_a he_o withdraw_v it_o and_o in_o the_o latter_a he_o give_v a_o power_n of_o contrary_a motion_n and_o do_v
give_v only_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n who_o essence_n be_v eternal_a and_o so_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a though_o they_o be_v never_o to_o have_v existence_n and_o of_o late_a some_o have_v assert_v that_o the_o real_a existence_n of_o matter_n and_o all_o its_o property_n be_v eternal_a for_o suppose_v this_o world_n have_v never_o be_v or_o be_v destroy_v yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v but_o there_o behove_v to_o be_v longitude_n latitude_n and_o profundity_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o a_o body_n all_o these_o be_v but_o the_o birth_n of_o man_n brain_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n encroach_a upon_o his_o power_n his_o freedom_n his_o wisdom_n on_o his_o power_n that_o he_o can_v not_o annihilate_v any_o thing_n beside_o himself_o on_o his_o freedom_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o all_o thing_n upon_o he_o for_o if_o these_o eternal_a entity_n be_v free_o from_o god_n he_o can_v have_v forbear_v to_o create_v they_o if_o not_o than_o they_o behove_v to_o flow_v from_o he_o by_o emanation_n and_o so_o their_o be_v do_v not_o depend_v upon_o he_o if_o they_o be_v free_o from_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o by_o creation_n for_o that_o give_v existence_n and_o they_o have_v find_v no_o term_n to_o express_v how_o they_o be_v from_o god_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v exert_v according_a to_o his_o decree_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a that_o possibility_n be_v only_o a_o extrinsic_a denomination_n from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n have_v no_o extrinsic_a real_a object_n more_o than_o the_o imagination_n can_v give_v to_o its_o object_n or_o that_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o object_n can_v operate_v something_o real_a in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o eternal_a verity_n that_o be_v not_o concern_v the_o eternal_a god_n they_o import_v only_o a_o identick_a implication_n in_o the_o term_n whereby_o the_o subject_a be_v suppose_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n in_o which_o the_o attribute_n be_v necessary_o imply_v as_o that_o every_o triangle_n have_v three_o angle_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o every_o triangle_n be_v a_o triangle_n or_o that_o every_o triangle_n have_v a_o angle_n which_o be_v a_o identick_a proposition_n to_o each_o of_o its_o angle_n but_o inadequate_a to_o the_o whole_a which_o import_v no_o reality_n or_o absolute_a entity_n but_o only_o that_o whenever_o there_o be_v a_o triangle_n it_o must_v have_v angle_n but_o do_v not_o import_v that_o the_o triangle_n or_o angle_n have_v a_o be_v or_o be_v real_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o more_o reality_n that_o our_o fancy_n can_v apprehend_v a_o non_fw-la ens_fw-la but_o by_o resemblance_n of_o a_o entity_n and_o so_o it_o apprehend_v vacuity_n as_o a_o body_n have_v dimension_n which_o import_v no_o more_o reality_n than_o when_o it_o apprehend_v darkness_n as_o blackness_n therefore_o god_n power_n be_v not_o circumscribe_v by_o possibility_n or_o consistency_n as_o by_o the_o narrowness_n or_o incapacity_n of_o the_o object_n but_o because_o the_o divine_a perfection_n can_v jar_v or_o counteract_v one_o another_o there_o be_v another_o no_o less_o groundless_a and_o inconsistent_a imagination_n that_o god_n by_o his_o power_n preserve_v himself_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o own_o be_v whereas_o god_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v a_o cause_n and_o preservation_n be_v never_o competent_a but_o to_o that_o which_o have_v a_o cause_n and_o be_v a_o dependent_a be_v the_o regulate_v power_n of_o god_n abate_v nothing_o of_o its_o infiniteness_n because_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n be_v only_o limit_v by_o his_o will_n and_o choice_n not_o by_o the_o power_n itself_o which_o still_o remain_v when_o it_o act_v not_o god_n power_n be_v regulate_v by_o all_o his_o active_a perfection_n as_o by_o will_n by_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o decree_n by_o his_o purity_n and_o holiness_n by_o his_o bounty_n and_o mercy_n by_o his_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n and_o by_o his_o truth_n and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v not_o by_o his_o absolute_a but_o by_o his_o regulate_v power_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o impossible_a he_o shall_v change_v his_o purpose_n or_o his_o work_n according_a to_o it_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v good_a just_a faithful_a and_o true_a god_n power_n be_v exert_v not_o only_o according_a to_o his_o will_n but_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v perceive_v by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n by_o the_o sole_a act_n of_o his_o will_n whereby_o he_o will_v any_o thing_n present_o to_o be_v which_o the_o scripture_n express_v by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n and_o that_o he_o command_v and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v not_o by_o such_o command_v as_o he_o give_v to_o the_o rational_a creature_n which_o do_v but_o express_v his_o pleasure_n and_o their_o duty_n but_o a_o command_n to_o thing_n to_o exist_v must_v import_v his_o present_a will_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n must_v be_v such_o a_o word_n of_o command_n as_o when_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o leper_n i_o will_v be_v thou_o clean_a and_o immediate_o his_o leprosy_n be_v cleanse_v he_o both_o prove_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v exercise_v by_o sole_a will_n and_o that_o himself_o be_v god_n god_n regulate_v power_n by_o his_o wisdom_n operate_v by_o the_o easy_a and_o most_o accommodate_v way_n and_o do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a that_o be_v not_o requisite_a for_o the_o end_v propose_v but_o if_o the_o end_v propose_v be_v not_o only_o the_o production_n of_o such_o a_o effect_n but_o with_o it_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n he_o will_v choose_v the_o way_n fit_a for_o that_o end_n and_o not_o for_o the_o effect_v only_o as_o when_o he_o increase_v the_o oil_n that_o sustain_v elijah_n and_o the_o widow_n of_o sareptah_n but_o he_o follow_v a_o more_o natural_a way_n when_o he_o feed_v he_o by_o the_o raven_n who_o swift_a wing_n can_v soon_o reach_v place_n where_o the_o famine_n have_v not_o reach_v christ_n in_o preserve_v lazarus_n may_v have_v prevent_v his_o death_n but_o he_o show_v that_o he_o do_v it_o to_o glorify_v god_n so_o he_o do_v feed_v the_o five_o thousand_o and_o the_o four_o thousand_o by_o multiply_v the_o loaf_n and_o fish_n though_o he_o can_v have_v sustain_v their_o strength_n a_o more_o accommodate_v but_o a_o less_o evident_o miraculous_a way_n yet_o god_n will_v not_o alter_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n though_o thereby_o some_o inconvenience_n arise_v to_o his_o own_o he_o work_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n without_o creation_n or_o miracle_n by_o preserve_v the_o vigour_n of_o the_o power_n he_o give_v and_o he_o do_v over-rule_v the_o voluntary_a power_n who_o effect_n he_o ordinary_o alter_v by_o give_v inclination_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n they_o will_v not_o otherwise_o do_v whether_o as_o to_o a_o single_a act_n or_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o act_n by_o stop_v and_o divert_v they_o towards_o other_o object_n or_o by_o permit_v they_o to_o misapply_v their_o natural_a power_n in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a i_o know_v no_o warrant_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o change_n of_o wether_n but_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n or_o to_o exercise_v faith_n about_o these_o any_o further_a than_o concern_v the_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o many_o have_v stumble_v at_o god_n power_n of_o creation_n and_o therefore_o that_o god_n behove_v to_o have_v a_o subject_a to_o work_v upon_o which_o be_v eternal_a which_o the_o more_o propagate_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o vacuity_n and_o the_o infinite_a extension_n of_o matter_n though_o the_o author_n of_o it_o do_v no_o less_o stiff_o maintain_v creation_n than_o other_o do_v that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n though_o he_o be_v the_o principal_a actor_n of_o it_o but_o that_o ease_v not_o the_o difficulty_n unless_o they_o suppose_v also_o that_o angel_n and_o soul_n be_v but_o the_o motion_n of_o matter_n which_o some_o be_v so_o gross_o absurd_a as_o to_o affirm_v or_o that_o they_o be_v eternal_a which_o other_o more_o famous_a have_v profess_v or_o that_o they_o be_v particle_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o absurd_a than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n suppose_v a_o extend_a and_o divisible_a deity_n be_v there_o any_o inconsistency_n that_o that_o which_o once_o exist_v not_o shall_v after_o exist_v how_o much_o must_v they_o derogate_v from_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o will_v attribute_v nothing_o to_o he_o but_o to_o give_v matter_n figure_n and_o motion_n and_o that_o not_o by_o a_o intrinsic_a principle_n but_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o he_o operate_v the_o
can_v comprehend_v they_o distinct_o altogether_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o glorify_a creature_n will_v have_v a_o excellent_a and_o eternal_a exercise_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o apprehend_v distinct_o the_o several_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o his_o manifold_a decree_n and_o dispensation_n which_o will_v yield_v fresh_a and_o renew_a pleasure_n for_o ever_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o our_o thought_n turn_v upon_o a_o few_o delightful_a object_n give_v a_o fresh_a continuance_n of_o pleasure_n albeit_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o object_n be_v but_o low_a how_o fresh_a then_o and_o how_o great_a must_v that_o pleasure_n be_v that_o have_v the_o variety_n of_o god_n existence_n and_o nature_n in_o be_v a_o pure_a immaterial_a spirit_n and_o all_o his_o divine_a perfection_n natural_a and_o moral_a and_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o dispensation_n bring_v to_o a_o unalterable_a condition_n second_o the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o be_v infinite_a and_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o high_a degree_n but_o creature_n be_v incapable_a of_o any_o infinite_a perfection_n therefore_o their_o delight_n may_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v make_v still_o great_a yet_o it_o be_v full_o satisfactory_a in_o the_o degree_n that_o god_n free_o give_v it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o glorify_a angel_n and_o saint_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v satisfy_v without_o envy_n emulation_n or_o desire_v of_o more_o than_o what_o they_o do_v receive_v after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o their_o glorify_a body_n three_o the_o delight_n of_o glorify_a creature_n be_v not_o upon_o ground_n from_o themselves_o but_o from_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o perfection_n whole_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o power_n and_o love_n of_o god_n preserve_v they_o from_o fall_v in_o all_o occasion_n of_o danger_n meditation_n x._o upon_o god_n holiness_n or_o godlikeness_n have_v meditate_a upon_o the_o glorious_a divine_a perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v natural_a necessary_a and_o immanent_a so_o far_o as_o my_o narrow_a capacity_n do_v reach_v and_o apprehend_v and_o in_o that_o natural_a order_n whereby_o the_o antecedent_n do_v always_o make_v way_n for_o the_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o subsequent_a the_o first_o and_o absolute_a attribute_n be_v a_o spirit_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v relative_a suppose_v a_o subject_a to_o which_o they_o relate_v of_o which_o the_o near_a to_o the_o pure_o immaterial_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v omniscience_n and_o next_o thereto_o activity_n by_o his_o will_n choose_v and_o effectuate_a according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o then_o his_o omnipotence_n extend_v not_o only_a to_o what_o he_o choose_v or_o will_v but_o to_o all_o that_o be_v possible_a and_o consistent_a all_o which_o be_v in_o himself_o without_o any_o caufe_fw-fr whereby_o he_o be_v self-existent_a and_o eternal_a self-sufficient_a infinite_o delight_v in_o himself_o and_o thereby_o bless_v and_o as_o to_o all_o transient_a act_n absolute_o free_a and_o full_o independent_a in_o his_o be_v power_n choice_n or_o operation_n i_o come_v now_o to_o apply_v my_o most_o serious_a and_o humble_a thought_n to_o his_o voluntary_a perfection_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v terminate_v upon_o creature_n and_o i_o have_v earnest_o endeavour_v to_o find_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o these_o as_o of_o the_o former_a which_o i_o perceive_v not_o only_o to_o be_v antecedent_n and_o consequent_a but_o that_o they_o be_v as_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o do_v not_o import_v that_o any_o thing_n in_o god_n have_v a_o extrinsic_a cause_n or_o a_o real_a multiplicity_n or_o difference_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o god_n alone_o do_v act_v immediate_o by_o his_o be_v some_o have_v extend_v that_o to_o creature_n but_o if_o without_o injury_n i_o think_v not_o without_o error_n suppose_v for_o instance_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n perceive_v judge_v reason_v choose_v by_o its_o own_o substance_n as_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o man_n fancy_n that_o imagine_v superad_v power_n such_o as_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_n wherein_o they_o seem_v as_o much_o to_o err_v in_o the_o defect_n as_o the_o common_a course_n of_o the_o schoolman_n do_v in_o the_o excess_n multiply_v real_a entity_n as_o they_o imagine_v as_o the_o eternal_a essence_n and_o attribute_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o have_v exi_v or_o do_v exist_v and_o of_o the_o real_a be_v of_o thing_n possible_a that_o do_v not_o never_o do_v nor_o never_o shall_v exist_v and_o suppose_v a_o multitude_n of_o accident_n real_o distinct_a from_o any-substance_n and_o that_o the_o same_o individual_a accident_n be_v separable_a from_o one_o individual_a substance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v subject_v unto_o another_o and_o which_o consequent_o can_v subsist_v without_o any_o substance_n and_o so_o not_o differ_v from_o a_o substance_n by_o subsist_v without_o a_o subject_a but_o be_v difference_v by_o have_v a_o fitness_n to_o perfect_v a_o subject_a by_o actual_a inhere_n in_o it_o and_o differ_v also_o from_o modes_n that_o these_o imply_v a_o individual_a subject_n from_o which_o they_o be_v inseparable_a yet_o they_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o gross_a as_o to_o attribute_v such_o accident_n to_o god_n which_o indeed_o can_v escape_v to_o infer_v a_o composition_n of_o separable_a thing_n it_o seem_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o create_a substance_n to_o act_v by_o its_o substance_n or_o immediate_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o we_o suppose_v all_o the_o multitude_n of_o species_n to_o differ_v by_o substantial_o and_o consequent_o by_o separable_o subsistent_a part_n and_o so_o shall_v conceive_v the_o intellect_n and_o the_o will_v to_o be_v such_o then_o the_o soul_n will_v substantial_o comprehend_v the_o intellect_n and_o the_o will_n and_o must_v act_v immediate_o but_o though_o the_o capacity_n to_o reason_n and_o choice_n be_v no_o substantial_a part_n separable_a from_o the_o soul_n they_o may_v still_o be_v essential_a though_o not_o substantial_a difference_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n act_v not_o immediate_o but_o by_o the_o addition_n of_o these_o and_o i_o conceive_v it_o a_o abusive_a speech_n and_o if_o proper_o take_v derogatory_n to_o god_n that_o he_o can_v not_o withdraw_v the_o power_n of_o reason_v or_o free_a choice_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n without_o annihilate_v its_o substance_n but_o only_o change_v it_o unto_o another_o kind_n which_o yet_o may_v essential_o differ_v from_o a_o brute_n which_o can_v judge_n nor_o compare_n no_o more_o than_o reason_n but_o only_o perceive_v by_o sense_n and_o act_n by_o instinct_n it_o do_v much_o more_o quadrate_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o he_o free_o give_v these_o power_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n have_v the_o special_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o necessity_n that_o such_o power_n must_v be_v free_o superad_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o creature_n i_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o this_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v no_o substance_n but_o spirit_n and_o matter_n that_o all_o the_o species_n of_o creature_n be_v by_o superadded_a power_n or_o modes_n which_o be_v not_o separable_a being_n and_o therefore_o if_o a_o spirit_n by_o its_o substance_n can_v reason_v choose_v worship_n or_o adore_v than_o all_o spirit_n behove_v necessary_o so_o to_o do_v or_o if_o matter_n as_o such_o can_v move_v or_o act_v all_o body_n behove_v so_o to_o do_v therefore_o something_o must_v be_v superad_v to_o make_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v neither_o body_n nor_o spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o incommunicable_a property_n of_o god_n to_o act_v immediate_o that_o the_o transient_a act_n of_o god_n perfection_n be_v cause_n and_o effect_n it_o do_v sufficient_o satisfy_v i_o that_o i_o do_v not_o unsutable_o think_v of_o god_n when_o i_o inquire_v why_o do_v god_n punish_v sin_n and_o resolve_v that_o it_o be_v because_o he_o be_v just_a and_o if_o i_o yet_o further_o inquire_v why_o be_v god_n unchangeable_o just_a i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o be_v either_o because_o it_o be_v congruous_a to_o his_o glorious_a nature_n to_o be_v unchangeable_o just_a or_o that_o he_o be_v unchangeable_o just_a only_o because_o he_o will_v be_v so_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o three_o ground_n or_o rise_v whence_o all_o god_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n do_v flow_v i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v that_o it_o will_v be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o freedom_n and_o absoluteness_n of_o god_n if_o all_o his_o dispensation_n do_v not_o arise_v only_o from_o his_o will_n but_o that_o very_a reason_n infer_v the_o contrary_a conclusion_n because_o it_o bring_v a_o reason_n why_o all_o must_v flow_v from_o god_n will_n to_o wit_v his_o freedom_n and_o absoluteness_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o his_o will_n nor_o from_o his_o will_n nor_o be_v they_o moral_a but_o natural_a perfection_n
now_o think_v on_o be_v god_n active_a unchangeableness_n whereby_o all_o his_o decree_n be_v suitable_a to_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o act_n be_v unchangeable_o conform_v to_o his_o decree_n i_o know_v that_o in_o the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o the_o divine_a perfection_n there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o wariness_n and_o caution_n lest_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o or_o encroach_v upon_o another_o and_o therefore_o i_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o mistake_v as_o other_o have_v do_v the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o unchangeableness_n that_o upon_o different_a occasion_n he_o shall_v act_v different_o i_o have_v see_v of_o late_a and_o not_o without_o abhorrence_n and_o admiration_n publish_v in_o print_n by_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o great_a divine_a in_o the_o roman_a communion_n that_o god_n be_v only_o a_o common_a cause_n work_v like_o the_o sun_n moon_n or_o star_n without_o consideration_n of_o any_o particular_a circumstance_n but_o that_o all_o specialty_n be_v act_v by_o christ_n who_o understanding_n be_v finite_a as_o man_n can_v comprehend_v all_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o therefore_o the_o specialty_n arise_v as_o thing_n fall_v in_o his_o thought_n it_o be_v another_o strange_a enough_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o do_v import_v that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v consideration_n of_o the_o act_n of_o his_o free_a creature_n in_o any_o of_o his_o decree_n but_o behove_v with_o as_o little_a consideration_n of_o deserve_v to_o design_n the_o rejection_n and_o eternal_a misery_n of_o some_o as_o of_o the_o give_v of_o grace_n and_o eternal_a glory_n and_o blessedness_n unto_o other_o it_o be_v injurious_a to_o imagine_v that_o learned_a and_o even_o pious_a and_o for_o the_o main_a orthodox_n divine_v can_v have_v admit_v so_o harsh_a a_o character_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o infinite_o amiable_a god_n if_o their_o mistake_n of_o the_o precise_a import_n of_o god_n unchangeableness_n have_v not_o carry_v they_o unto_o that_o supralapsarian_a way_n other_o apprehend_v it_o must_v imply_v a_o changeableness_n in_o god_n if_o his_o divine_a perfection_n have_v any_o effect_n at_o one_o time_n that_o they_o have_v not_o at_o another_o and_o when_o they_o see_v scripture_n and_o providence_n full_a of_o the_o contrary_n for_o instance_n that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v not_o always_o exert_v itself_o in_o creation_n or_o in_o the_o punish_n of_o some_o and_o pardon_v accept_v and_o glorify_v of_o other_o yet_o to_o maintain_v their_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n unchangeableness_n they_o strain_v their_o invention_n to_o find_v a_o reconciliation_n and_o say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n power_n or_o perception_n but_o his_o eternal_a decree_n from_o which_o alone_o all_o these_o effect_n follow_v so_o that_o the_o act_n of_o creation_n be_v only_o that_o decree_n as_o break_v forth_o in_o its_o effect_n yea_o to_o exclude_v changeableness_n in_o knowledge_n they_o must_v also_o allow_v that_o in_o the_o beginning_n god_n know_v not_o that_o he_o be_v create_v or_o that_o creature_n be_v bring_v forth_o and_o not_o till_o then_o which_o do_v import_v no_o alteration_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n knowledge_n because_o he_o do_v as_o clear_o know_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o eternity_n as_o when_o they_o do_v come_v to_o pass_v yea_o and_o know_v no_o more_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n but_o as_o to_o the_o be_v future_a present_a or_o preterite_n no_o invention_n can_v avoid_v that_o god_n know_v that_o the_o world_n be_v once_o to_o come_v and_o now_o be_v and_o that_o the_o flood_n be_v to_o be_v and_o be_v now_o past_a can_v they_o also_o give_v a_o account_n how_o the_o same_o decree_n can_v take_v effect_n by_o one_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o yet_o at_o so_o immense_a distance_n of_o time_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o god_n power_n different_a from_o his_o will_n in_o the_o decree_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o power_n different_a from_o the_o will_n it_o do_v not_o then_o begin_v to_o exert_v itself_o how_o then_o shall_v that_o act_n of_o the_o will_v be_v efficacious_a that_o from_o eternity_n have_v no_o effect_n till_o the_o beginning_n of_o time_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o will_n of_o the_o end_n of_o time_n be_v so_o long_o after_o the_o beginning_n which_o can_v not_o be_v by_o the_o mere_a negation_n of_o willing_a but_o behove_v to_o be_v by_o a_o positive_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o such_o act_n of_o the_o same_o will_n shall_v be_v long_o without_o effect_n than_o other_o so_o that_o one_o act_n of_o his_o will_n shall_v suspend_v the_o effect_n of_o another_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n do_v always_o distinguish_v god_n decree_n from_o his_o dispensation_n and_o work_v our_o saviour_n say_v express_o hitherto_o my_o father_n work_v and_o i_o work_v must_v we_o thence_o say_v hitherto_o my_o father_n decree_n and_o i_o decree_v and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o god_n purpose_n take_v effect_n it_o be_v also_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o god_n purpose_n which_o explain_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o take_a effect_n not_o by_o his_o purpose_n but_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o work_v according_a to_o it_o the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a subject_n of_o changeableness_n or_o unchangeableness_n as_o to_o act_v original_o be_v in_o the_o purpose_n or_o intention_n for_o no_o rational_a be_v can_v operate_v rational_o but_o by_o a_o intention_n to_o work_v whether_o the_o intention_n be_v before_o or_o with_o the_o operation_n and_o therefore_o be_v change_v by_o the_o change_n of_o the_o intention_n therefore_o god_n unchangeableness_n do_v precise_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n or_o intention_n be_v full_o suitable_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n can_v therefore_o never_o be_v change_v and_o by_o his_o omnipotence_n it_o can_v never_o fail_v of_o the_o intend_a effect_n so_o that_o his_o unchangeableness_n be_v not_o that_o he_o act_v ever_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o that_o he_o act_v ever_o suitable_o to_o his_o glorious_a nature_n and_o do_v unchangeable_o perform_v what_o he_o purpose_v no_o creature_n can_v know_v god_n eternal_a purpose_n decree_n or_o intention_n or_o what_o his_o will_n be_v without_o revelation_n but_o by_o know_v what_o be_v congruous_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n our_o innate_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a act_n be_v chief_o in_o our_o apprehension_n of_o what_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o whence_o we_o infer_v his_o unchangeableness_n justice_n benignity_n mercy_n faithfulness_n and_o truth_n which_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v so_o soon_o or_o so_o clear_o as_o the_o other_o we_o may_v and_o do_v oft_o doubt_v concern_v several_a dispensation_n whether_o they_o flow_v from_o god_n justice_n benignity_n or_o mercy_n be_v yet_o very_o clear_a that_o they_o be_v congruous_a to_o his_o glorious_a and_o bless_a nature_n god_n unchangeableness_n do_v not_o import_n that_o he_o have_v always_o the_o same_o love_n of_o beneplacence_n and_o beneficence_n to_o his_o elect_n before_o they_o be_v convert_v as_o after_o and_o when_o they_o fall_v in_o presumptuous_a sin_n for_o which_o he_o withdraw_v his_o countenance_n their_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o do_v correct_v they_o as_o when_o they_o consider_v their_o way_n and_o repent_v and_o he_o cherish_v and_o comfort_v they_o albeit_o his_o love_n of_o benevolence_n to_o they_o be_v ever_o the_o same_o because_o in_o all_o these_o he_o act_v suitable_o to_o himself_o i_o abhor_v their_o folly_n who_o think_v that_o sin_n be_v no_o more_o sin_n nor_o no_o more_o to_o be_v sorrow_v for_o in_o the_o regenerate_v or_o that_o god_n have_v relax_v his_o justice_n in_o make_v that_o which_o be_v sin_n against_o his_o moral_a law_n to_o become_v no_o more_o sin_n which_o will_v indeed_o import_v a_o mutability_n in_o he_o it_o be_v also_o a_o groundless_a and_o empty_a notion_n to_o infer_v from_o god_n unchangeableness_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o nor_o no_o less_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n than_o at_o the_o creation_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o or_o few_o save_v of_o mankind_n than_o fall_v of_o the_o angel_n i_o do_v also_o admire_v and_o abhor_v their_o error_n who_o hold_v that_o god_n love_n of_o benevolence_n to_o the_o same_o creature_n can_v change_v see_v it_o flow_v from_o his_o mere_a grace_n and_o from_o no_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o object_n whence_o then_o shall_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o change_n arise_v this_o imagination_n not_o only_o incroach_v upon_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n but_o
work_n he_o have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v but_o not_o before_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n whereof_o he_o can_v glory_v in_o himself_o for_o all_o glory_v and_o boast_v be_v exclude_v but_o abraham_n glory_v be_v in_o god_n who_o free_o justify_v he_o and_o he_o rejoice_v from_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n concern_v his_o son_n evidence_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o justification_n thereby_o both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o man_n whereby_o he_o glori_v before_o man_n and_o not_o before_o god_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o act_n of_o love_n be_v act_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v grace_n essential_o distinct_a but_o that_o faith_n be_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o love_n be_v give_v upon_o god_n part_n nor_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o faith_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n therefore_o its_o essence_n be_v not_o distinct_a from_o love_n man_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o be_v that_o historical_a faith_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v specifical_o different_a from_o save_v faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v call_v jesus_n lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sign_n of_o save_a faith_n at_o that_o time_n when_o there_o be_v so_o general_a a_o opposition_n against_o christ_n when_o no_o man_n do_v avow_v or_o own_o christ_n hypocritical_o 7._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v more_o exceed_v in_o bring_v work_n as_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o any_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o they_o have_v make_v work_v the_o whole_a and_o only_a part_n of_o man_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v give_v no_o pre-eminence_n to_o faith_n but_o to_o charity_n or_o love_n consequent_o enough_o to_o that_o principle_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o three_o eminent_a christian_a virtue_n that_o of_o these_o the_o great_a be_v charity_n so_o that_o if_o faith_n do_v save_v as_o a_o good_a work_n love_n will_v much_o more_o save_v they_o acknowledge_v no_o justification_n distinct_a from_o sanctification_n they_o do_v not_o require_v good_a work_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o salvation_n that_o god_n in_o justice_n can_v not_o deny_v celestial_a glory_n to_o those_o that_o live_v holy_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o extravagant_a supererrogation_n be_v the_o common_a opinion_n public_o preach_v in_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v call_v on_o purpose_n to_o amend_v error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o have_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n not_o one_o word_n in_o any_o of_o their_o canon_n disapprove_v work_n of_o supererrogation_n and_o the_o treasure_n thereof_o out_o of_o which_o the_o pope_n by_o assignment_n of_o the_o superfluous_a merit_n of_o the_o saint_n may_v supply_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n either_o immediate_o upon_o death_n or_o shorten_v their_o purge_n by_o the_o purgatorial_n fire_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o yet_o they_o dispute_v vehement_o against_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ._n they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o christ_n suffering_n have_v satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o without_o encroach_a thereupon_o he_o may_v give_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o they_o do_v not_o ascribe_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o holiness_n but_o only_o to_o the_o expiation_n by_o christ_n suffering_n and_o inconsistent_o enough_o they_o require_v purge_v by_o the_o purgatorial_n fire_n which_o can_v be_v think_v correction_n to_o amend_v they_o and_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v to_o cleanse_v and_o expiate_v in_o which_o they_o derogate_v even_o from_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ._n but_o to_o give_v they_o the_o most_o benign_a interpretation_n they_o think_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n can_v not_o exalt_v man_n to_o heavenly_a blessedness_n but_o that_o as_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n every_o one_o behove_v to_o merit_v that_o exaltation_n by_o their_o work_n which_o can_v not_o be_v after_o the_o fall_n because_o of_o original_a sin_n whereby_o the_o eat_n of_o forbid_a fruit_n do_v condemn_v all_o mankind_n descend_v from_o adam_n by_o ordinary_a generation_n until_o christ_n suffer_v have_v satisfy_v that_o debt_n and_o even_o the_o actual_a transgression_n of_o those_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o though_o man_n be_v still_o sinful_a their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v as_o satisfy_v by_o christ_n suffering_n man_n good_a work_n lose_v not_o their_o effect_n to_o merit_v heaven_n as_o well_o as_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n they_o make_v between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n inculcate_v in_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o 1._o all_o glory_v or_o boast_v of_o the_o creature_n attribute_v any_o part_n of_o its_o salvation_n to_o itself_o be_v exclude_v where_o be_v boast_v then_o it_o be_v exclude_v by_o what_o law_n of_o work_n nay_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n but_o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n for_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n where_o it_o be_v twice_o repeat_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v yea_o boast_v be_v so_o far_o exclude_v that_o man_n can_v boast_v of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v his_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v say_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o say_v to_o exclude_v work_n from_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o only_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o equivalent_a cause_n deserve_v glory_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v free_o give_v for_o it_o be_v expressy_a say_v that_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n to_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v or_o prepare_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o god_n have_v not_o predestinate_v man_n to_o salvation_n for_o their_o work_n foresee_v or_o perform_v for_o who_o he_o do_v foresee_v they_o he_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n which_o image_n be_v holiness_n which_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o end_n and_o effect_v of_o predestination_n good_a work_n indeed_o be_v via_fw-la regni_fw-la but_o not_o gausa_fw-la regnandi_fw-la and_o they_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n to_o be_v diligent_o follow_v not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o indispensible_a law_n and_o duty_n anterior_a in_o order_n to_o any_o covenant_n but_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o evidence_n true_a grace_n and_o give_v solid_a peace_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v take_v by_o violence_n and_o the_o violent_a enter_v it_o by_o force_n which_o do_v import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o where_o it_o be_v say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n it_o do_v not_o import_v right_o by_o merit_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o work_n can_v no_o more_o proper_o be_v call_v right_o than_o the_o evidence_n of_o land_n or_o inheritance_n be_v call_v the_o right_n thereof_o as_o sighify_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o explicatory_a word_n be_v subjoin_v and_o may_v enter_v in_o through_o the_o gate_n to_o the_o city_n all_z other_o but_o the_o romanist_n that_o bring_v in_o work_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n bring_v they_o in_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o not_o as_o a_o deserve_a meritorious_a cause_n much_o less_o as_o a_o superfluous_a supererrogatory_n merit_n see_v christ_n have_v declare_v so_o clear_o that_o the_o first_o and_o great_a command_n of_o god_n be_v thou_o shait_fw-fr love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n